1.  Use just one planner/calendar whether it be in paper format or electronic.  It’s too confusing to use separate calendars for home and office.  
2.  To insure that projects on your to-do list get accomplished, schedule the to-do’s in your planner.  For example, if cleaning the garage is on your to-do list this week, write in a day and time to complete this and keep the appointment just as you would keep a Dr. appointment.
3. Take control of your time and eliminate distractions.  Don’t let the day’s events dictate how you use your time.  Have a schedule of what you need and want to do and stick to it.   Don’t answer the phone or read emails as soon as they come into your box.  Don’t be afraid to set boundaries with the people in your life.  
4. Don’t over-schedule.  When you “add” a commitment to your already full schedule, remember to “subtract” a commitment to avoid feeling stressed and over-committed.
5. Review your calendar over the weekend for the upcoming week.  Plan meals based upon your family’s evening schedule, make phone calls regarding carpools, respond to party invitations, etc. 
6. It’s not all about work.  Make time for a balanced life.  Schedule time with friends, family and yourself and KEEP these appointments.
7. Schedule according to energy level.  For example, if you are at your best in the morning, schedule tasks that take the most energy and concentration.  I find that it’s a good use of time to sort and read mail or other mindless tasks at night when I’m too tired to think about more complex things. 
8. Do you frequently miscalculate how long something will take?  Keep a log for a week  of your routine activities such as grocery shopping, responding to emails, paying bills, cleaning house, etc.   You may be surprised at the real time that you actually spend to complete these tasks.
9. Write down-IN ONE LOCATION- your to-do list, your ideas and your “someday isles” (Translate:  Someday I’ll......).   These are your short and long term goals.  Seeing them on paper will allow you to schedule these moving you toward the life of your dreams.
10. I can’t go without saying that you must have your surroundings and your belongings organized if you want to make the best use of your time.  Time is wasted if you are looking for misplaced items or are distracted by clutter when attempting to complete a task. 

Anything to add to the list?  I would love to hear how you manage your time and what works for you.  Leave your comments below.  

Whether you are moving to a smaller home or just want to live more simply in your current home, most of us find that we need to downsize our belongings.  This can be a stressful process.  Not only is it physically demanding but it can be very emotional as well.  Planning ahead and dividing  large projects into smaller pieces are essential for a smooth transition.   

1)  Pace yourself - It’s ideal to to begin the downsizing process months, not weeks, ahead.  It’s much easier to sort and de-clutter a few hours a day or even a few hours a week rather than pack it into exhausting and stressful days just prior to the move.  You will be less likely to make regretful decisions about your prized possessions if you pace yourself and take your time.  

2)  Divide and Conquer - Select an out of the way area or perhaps an unused bedroom and designate four specific areas/sections; 1) Keep  2)  Give to friends or family  3)  Sell  4)  Donate to Charity.  If you’re using cardboard or opaque boxes, place colored tape on each box to indicate the designation.    For example, boxes with green tape indicate that they “go” to the new home.  

3)  Moving to a smaller home can be a time of mixed emotions.  It’s difficult to say good bye to things to which we associate so many good memories.   Think about the space in your  new home.  If you won’t have the space to truly value and honor your keepsakes, consider passing  them on to relatives.  Or take pictures of keepsakes.  If you’re helping a relative move, don’t force them to give away their treasures.  Listen to their stories and memories.  Often times, when they re-live their special memory, it’s easier to pass along their belongings.  

4) Choose furniture and household items that are smaller scale and dual-purpose such as ottomans that have a lid that can be used for storage.  Avoid keeping high maintenance items.   Downsizing is about simplifying.  Remove photos from the frames, scan onto your computer and create a DVD or load onto a digital picture frame. 

Hiring a Professional Organizer or Senior Move Manager can be beneficial if adult children or extended family members are involved in the downsizing process.  Having a 3rd party professional can alleviate much of the added strain that many families experience during this emotional time.